Insulating panels

ABSTRACT

In some embodiments, a method and/or system may include a construction panel system. The construction panel system may include a first panel, a second panel, and a plurality of spacers. In some embodiments, the second panel positioned may be substantially parallel to the first panel. The plurality of spacers may be positioned between the first panel and the second panel. The spacers may allow fluids to pass around the spacers and between the first and second panels. In some embodiments, the spacers may be substantially aligned in a first direction and unaligned in at least a second direction. The first direction may be different than the second direction. In some embodiments, a plurality of openings may extend through the second panel. At least some of the plurality of openings may allow fluids to pass through the openings and in a space between the first and second panels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure generally relates to producing and usinginsulated construction panels. More particularly, the disclosuregenerally relates to systems and methods for producing and usingstructurally stable insulated panels.

2. Description of the Relevant Art

The roofs and walls of structures must deal with various environmentaland interior building factors such as heat insulation, proper ventingand/or moisture control. The design of the roof and wall systems needsto be structurally sound while providing for a habitable temperatureliving space. There are three sources of heat that affect the ability ofa building structure's insulation to control heat transfer includingconvective heat transfer, conductive heat transfer, and radiant heat.Currently, there is not a manufactured insulation and venting assemblythat: has an air space that can be used for air and moisture venting;appropriately arranged spacers between a first and a second sheet.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, a system may include a construction panel system.The construction panel system may include a first panel, a second panel,and a plurality of spacers. In some embodiments, the second panel may bepositioned substantially parallel to the first panel. The plurality ofspacers may be positioned between the first panel and the second panel.A first surface of the spacers may be coupled to a first surface of thefirst panel. A second surface of the spacers substantially opposite tothe first surface may be coupled to a first surface of the second panel.The spacers may allow fluids (e.g., air, gases, water, etc.) to passaround the spacers and between the first and second panels. In someembodiments, the spacers may be substantially aligned in a firstdirection and unaligned in at least a second direction. The firstdirection may be different than the second direction. In someembodiments, a plurality of openings may extend through the secondpanel. At least some of the plurality of openings may allow fluids topass through the openings and in a space between the first and secondpanels.

In some embodiments, the construction panel system may include more thantwo panels (e.g., three, four, etc.). Construction panel systems withmore than two panels may have two or more channels as appropriatedepending upon the number of panels (e.g., with three panels there maybe a first set of spacers between the first and second panels and asecond set of spacers between the second and third set of panels). Insome embodiments, the plurality of openings may extend through at leastsome of the plurality of panels into as many spaces between the panelsas exist

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first panel, at least aportion the second panel, and/or at least a portion the plurality ofspacers may include wood.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first panel, at least aportion the second panel, and/or at least a portion the plurality ofspacers may include oriented strand board. In some embodiments, at leasta portion of the construction panel (e.g., at least some of the spacers)may be formed from a material that inhibits the conduction of heat(e.g., plastics).

In some embodiments, the system may include indicia_([B1]). The indiciamay be positioned on an exterior surface of the first and/or secondpanel. The indicia may be configured to designate where the spacers arepositioned.

In some embodiments, the system may include a radiant barrier. Theradiant barrier may be applied to at least one surface of the firstand/or second panel. In some embodiments, the radiant barrier may beapplied to at least a portion of the area between the spacers. In someembodiments, the radiant barrier may be applied to at least the firstsurface of the first panel.

In some embodiments, the construction panel system may be coupled to aroofing framework system.

In some embodiments, a method may include insulating a buildingconstruct. A method of insulating a building construct may includecoupling a construction panel system to a framework of a building. Theconstruction panel system may be as described herein. The method mayinclude conveying fluids through a plurality of openings extendingthrough the second panel and through a space between the first andsecond panels and between the spacers.

In some embodiments, the method may include coupling a secondconstruction panel system to the framework of the building adjacent theinstalled construction panel system such that the spacers of the secondconstruction panel system are substantially aligned with the spacer ofthe installed construction panel system in the first direction. Themethod may include conveying fluids through the plurality of openings ofthe installed construction panel system and through the secondconstruction panel system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Advantages of the present invention may become apparent to those skilledin the art with the benefit of the following detailed description of thepreferred embodiments and upon reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 depicts a diagram of an embodiment of a construction panel systemwith one of the panels removed.

FIG. 2 depicts a diagram of a crosscut view of an embodiment of aconstruction panel system.

FIGS. 3A-C depict diagrams of a bottom view of an embodiment of aconstruction panel system.

FIG. 4 depicts a diagram of a top view of an embodiment of aconstruction panel system.

FIG. 5 depicts a diagram of a perspective view of an embodiment of aconstruction panel system installed in a building.

FIG. 6 depicts a diagram of a cross cut view of an embodiment of aconstruction panel system installed in a building.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way ofexample in the drawings and may herein be described in detail. Thedrawings may not be to scale. It should be understood, however, that thedrawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit theinvention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, theintention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternativesfalling within the spirit and scope of the present invention as definedby the appended claims.

The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and arenot meant to be used to limit the scope of the description. As usedthroughout this application, the word “may” is used in a permissivesense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatorysense (i.e., meaning must). The words “include,” “including,” and“includes” indicate open-ended relationships and therefore meanincluding, but not limited to. Similarly, the words “have,” “having,”and “has” also indicated open-ended relationships, and thus mean having,but not limited to. The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and so forthas used herein are used as labels for nouns that they precede, and donot imply any type of ordering (e.g., spatial, temporal, logical, etc.)unless such an ordering is otherwise explicitly indicated. For example,a “third die electrically connected to the module substrate” does notpreclude scenarios in which a “fourth die electrically connected to themodule substrate” is connected prior to the third die, unless otherwisespecified. Similarly, a “second” feature does not require that a “first”feature be implemented prior to the “second” feature, unless otherwisespecified.

Various components may be described as “configured to” perform a task ortasks. In such contexts, “configured to” is a broad recitation generallymeaning “having structure that” performs the task or tasks duringoperation. As such, the component can be configured to perform the taskeven when the component is not currently performing that task (e.g., aset of electrical conductors may be configured to electrically connect amodule to another module, even when the two modules are not connected).In some contexts, “configured to” may be a broad recitation of structuregenerally meaning “having circuitry that” performs the task or tasksduring operation. As such, the component can be configured to performthe task even when the component is not currently on. In general, thecircuitry that forms the structure corresponding to “configured to” mayinclude hardware circuits.

Various components may be described as performing a task or tasks, forconvenience in the description. Such descriptions should be interpretedas including the phrase “configured to.” Reciting a component that isconfigured to perform one or more tasks is expressly intended not toinvoke 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph six, interpretation for that component.

The scope of the present disclosure includes any feature or combinationof features disclosed herein (either explicitly or implicitly), or anygeneralization thereof, whether or not it mitigates any or all of theproblems addressed herein. Accordingly, new claims may be formulatedduring prosecution of this application (or an application claimingpriority thereto) to any such combination of features. In particular,with reference to the appended claims, features from dependent claimsmay be combined with those of the independent claims and features fromrespective independent claims may be combined in any appropriate mannerand not merely in the specific combinations enumerated in the appendedclaims.

It is to be understood the present invention is not limited toparticular devices or biological systems, which may, of course, vary. Itis also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for thepurpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intendedto be limiting. As used in this specification and the appended claims,the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include singular and pluralreferents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, forexample, reference to “a linker” includes one or more linkers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Definitions

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art.

The term “connected” as used herein generally refers to pieces which maybe joined or linked together.

The term “coupled” as used herein generally refers to pieces which maybe used operatively with each other, or joined or linked together, withor without one or more intervening members.

The term “directly” as used herein generally refers to one structure inphysical contact with another structure, or, when used in reference to aprocedure, means that one process effects another process or structurewithout the involvement of an intermediate step or component.

The term “radiant barrier” as used herein generally refers to reflectivebarriers which inhibit heat transfer by thermal radiation.

In some embodiments, a system may include a construction panel system. Aconstruction panel system 100 may include a first panel 110, a secondpanel 120, and a plurality of spacers 130. FIG. 1 depicts a diagram ofan embodiment of construction panel system 100 with second panel 120removed. FIG. 2 depicts a diagram of a crosscut view of an embodiment ofconstruction panel system 100. In some embodiments, the second panel maybe positioned substantially parallel to the first panel. The secondpanel may be positioned substantially parallel to the first panel withinthe parameters commonly associated with the construction materials usedto form the system and the construction methods used to assemble thesystem. In some embodiments, the first and second panel may not bepositioned parallel to one another. The first and second panel may bepositioned at an angle to one another.

The plurality of spacers may be positioned between the first panel andthe second panel. A first surface 140 of spacers 130 may be coupled to afirst surface 150 of first panel 110. A second surface 160 of spacers130 substantially opposite to first surface 150 may be coupled to afirst surface 170 of second panel 120. The spacers may be coupled to thefirst and/or second panel using one or more adhesives. The spacers maybe coupled to the first and/or second panel using one or more fasteners.In some embodiments, the spacer may be formed as part of the firstand/or second panel during manufacture.

In some embodiments, the spacers are positioned between the first andsecond panel such that there are unobstructed channels formed betweenthe spacers from at least one end of the system to at least a second endof the panel system. The spacers may allow fluids to pass around thespacers and between the first and second panels. Fluids may includeliquids (e.g., water) and/or gases (e.g., air, water vapor, etc.).

FIGS. 3A-C depicts a diagram of a bottom view of an embodiment of aconstruction panel system 100. In some embodiments, a plurality ofopenings 180 may extend through second panel 120 (e.g., as depicted inFIG. 3A). At least some of the plurality of openings may allow fluids topass through the openings and in a space between the first and secondpanels. In some embodiments, fluids conveyed through the openings andbetween the first and second panels function as insulation, increasingthe insulation properties of the construction panel system. Air is avery good insulator. Gasses like air do no transfer heat very wellbecause the molecules are so far apart from each other. Movement ofgases (e.g., air) may allow air to transfer heat because the airmolecules carry the energy as they move. During use, some constructionpanels may have a plurality of openings as described while others maynot have the plurality of openings (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 3B). Insome embodiments, a plurality of construction panels may be installed inseries such that fluids may be conveyed through a plurality of openingsin the first panel then through the channels of a first panel to asecond panel. The fluids once in the second panel may continue onthrough channels in the second panel into an adjacent third panel and/orout of the second panel's channels and directed out of a building ortowards a ventilation system. In some embodiments, a starter strip(e.g., as depicted in FIG. 3C) may be used which is of a smallerdimension which includes the plurality of openings discussed whichduring installation couples to another construction panel such that airmoves through the plurality of openings of the starter strip and intothe channels of the other coupled construction panel. In someembodiments, at least some of the openings may be pitched at an anglerelative to the second panel. Angled openings may allow fluids to bemore easily conveyed through the second panel (e.g., from the soffit)into the airspace.

In some embodiments, the construction panel system may include more thantwo panels (e.g., three, four, etc.). Construction panel systems withmore than two panels may have two or more channels as appropriatedepending upon the number of panels (e.g., with three panels there maybe a first set of spacers between the first and second panels and asecond set of spacers between the second and third set of panels). Insome embodiments, the plurality of openings may extend through at leastsome of the plurality of panels into as many spaces between the panelsas exist

In some embodiments, the spacers may be substantially aligned in a firstdirection and unaligned in at least a second direction. The firstdirection may be different than the second direction. The spacers may bepositioned such that adjacent rows of spacers are unaligned in a firstdirection. The spacers may be positioned such that adjacent rows ofspacers are unaligned in a second direction. The second direction may besubstantially perpendicular to the first direction. Misaligning thespacers may provide structural stability to the system. Structuralstability may be provided especially when installers or others arewalking on the system during and/or after installation, for example, ona building. Setting the spacers in such a pattern (e.g., as depicted inFIG. 4) may inhibit closing off of fluid channels through the system(e.g., when fasteners are inadvertently installed incorrectly or wheninstalling roofing shingles or other roofing materials). The spacerlayout may allow for installation of vent pipes, skylights, windows etcwithout substantially restricting the flow of fluids.

FIG. 4 depicts a diagram of a top view of an embodiment of aconstruction panel system 100. In some embodiments, the system mayinclude indicia 190. The indicia may be positioned on an exteriorsurface of the first and/or second panel. The indicia may be configuredto designate where the spacers are positioned. In some embodiments, theindicia may be positioned on an exterior surface of the first panel. Theexterior surface of the first panel may be viewable to a tradesmanduring installation of the system, for example, as sheathing on a roof.

The indicia may allow an installer to know where the spacers are locatedbetween the first and second panels. The installer may then positionfasteners to couple the system to a structure such that the fastenerspenetrate through the spacers. A first advantage of installing fastenersthrough the spacers may be providing a more structurally stableinstalled system. Fasteners installed in other areas where spacers arenot positioned may disrupt the structural integrity of the first panel,due to the force at which fasteners are installed with. In someinstances the fastener may not disrupt the first panel structurally orin addition to disruption the fastener may press the first panel and thesecond panel together eliminating the space in between the two panels.“Pinching” the two panels together and eliminating the space between thetwo panels naturally restricts the air flow between the two panelsreducing the insulating value of the system.

In some embodiments, the system may include a radiant barrier. Theradiant barrier may be applied to at least one surface of the firstand/or second panel. In some embodiments, the radiant barrier may beapplied to at least a portion of the area between the spacers. Theradiant barrier may be applied to the area between the spacers such thatthe radiant barrier does not inhibit coupling of the spacers to thepanels. Adhesives may be used to couple the spacers to the panels and atleast some radiant barriers may inhibit the adhesives from coupling thespacer to the panel. Radiant barriers positioned between the spacers andthe panels may better conduct heat through the panels as opposed toreflecting the heat as desired.

In some embodiments, the radiant barrier may be applied to at least thefirst surface of the first panel. Applying the radiant barrier to thefirst surface of the first panel may provide the necessary air gaprequired next to the radiant barrier while reflecting the most radiantheat before it penetrates any further through the system.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first panel, at least aportion the second panel, and/or at least a portion the plurality ofspacers may include wood. In some embodiments, at least a portion of theconstruction panel (e.g., at least some of the spacers) may be formedfrom a material that inhibits the conduction of heat (e.g., plastics).The system may be formed at least in part from wood. The system may beformed at least in part by adhesives. In some embodiments, at least aportion of the first panel, at least a portion the second panel, and/orat least a portion the plurality of spacers may include oriented strandboard (OSB). The construction panels may be formed in any shape or toany appropriate dimensions. In some embodiments, construction panels maybe formed in dimensions mimicking standard industry standards (e.g.,four foot by eight foot) to facilitate installation. The panels andspacers may be formed using different dimensions. The first and/orsecond panel_([B2]) may be ⅛″ to 3″ thick, ¼″ to 1″ thick, or about ¼″thick. The spacers may be ⅛″ to 3″ thick, ¼″ to 1″ thick, or about ¼″thick. The spacers may have a circular shape. The spacers may have ashape comprising an oval, a square, a diamond, a hexagon, etc. Thespacers may have a width/diameter which is 0.5″ to 12″, 1″ to 3″, orabout 2″.

In some embodiments, a method may include insulating a buildingconstruct. A method of insulating a building construct may includecoupling a construction panel system to a framework of a building. Theconstruction panel system may be as described herein. The method mayinclude conveying fluids through a plurality of openings extendingthrough the second panel and through a space between the first andsecond panels and between the spacers.

In some embodiments, the construction panel system may be coupled to aroofing framework system. FIG. 5 depicts a diagram of a perspective viewof an embodiment of construction panel system 100 installed in abuilding 200. FIG. 6 depicts a diagram of a cross cut view of anembodiment of a construction panel system installed in a building. Theembodiment in FIGS. 5-6 depicts construction panels 100 installed in astructure as roof sheathing; however, this should not been as a limitingexample. The construction panels may be used in other ways, shapes orfashions (e.g., as siding on a building). The panels may be installedsuch that channels from adjoining panels are substantially aligned tofacilitate fluid flow between the panels. Clips (e.g., H-clips) may beused to ensure the panels stay properly aligned during and afterinstallation. Any type of roofing material may be installed over theconstruction panel system. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 5-6asphalt shingles 210 may be installed over the construction panels. FIG.5 depicts multiple construction panels 100 a-d installed as roofsheathing. Fasteners may be used to couple the construction panels tothe framing of the building. The fasteners may be installed through thespacer 130 using indicia 190 to locate the spacers.

In some embodiments, the method may include coupling a secondconstruction panel system to the framework of the building adjacent theinstalled construction panel system such that the spacers of the secondconstruction panel system are substantially aligned with the spacer ofthe installed construction panel system in the first direction. Themethod may include conveying fluids through the plurality of openings ofthe installed construction panel system and through the secondconstruction panel system.

In some embodiments, air 220 may flow through soffit 230 (depicted inFIG. 6) and then through plurality of openings 180. Once air 220 hasbeen conveyed through openings 180, the air may travel between firstpanel 110 and second panel 120 between spacers 130 of construction panel100 a (as depicted in FIG. 5). Air 220 may then convey throughconstruction panel 100 a and on into construction panels 100 c and 100d. Air 220 may then be conveyed out of the attic through, for example,ridge vent 240. Air 220 may function as an insulator. The system mayallow heat/moisture in the attic to vent out as normal. Air enters thruthe soffit and is able to enter the air gap between the two panels, theopenings in the construction panel, and/or the attic.

EXAMPLES

An experiment was conducted in order to ascertain the effectiveness ofan embodiment of the constructions panel system. In the experiment amock reduced scale building attic was constructed with the attic dividedinto two portions. On a first side of the attic embodiments of theherein described construction panels were installed while on the otherside of the attic radiant barrier sheathing (i.e., LP Building ProductsTechShield) was installed. Several temperature gauges were installed tomonitor the temperature of various areas of the mock enclosure which aresummarized in TABLE I below. The construction panels used in theexperiment included a radiant barrier on the inside surface of the outerpanel. As can be seen in the results in TABLE 1 the construction panelsystem showed a dramatic decrease in the temperature in the attic versesthe attic temperature in the attic with the radiant barrier sheathing.

TABLE 1 air gap in Construction construction panel attic Tec shieldNotes outside panel space attic space concerning time temp temp temptemp weather 11:00  80 F.  90 F. 75 F. 115 F. Cloudy 11:30  85 F.  95 F.75 F. 120 F. Sunny 12:00  90 F. 100 F. 80 F. 125 F. Sunny 12:30  90 F.100 F. 80 F. 125 F. Sunny 1:00 90 F. 100 F. +80 F.   125 F. Sunny 1:3090 F. 100 F. +80 F.   125 F. Sunny 2:00 +90 F.   100 F. 85 F. +125 F.  Sunny 2:30 +90 F.   100 F. 85 F. +125 F.   Sunny 3:00 95 F. 105 F. 90 F.130 F. Sunny 3:30 95 F. 110 F. 90 F. 130 F. Sunny 4:00 +95 F.   105 F.90 F. 130 F. Cloudy

In this patent, certain U.S. patents, U.S. patent applications, andother materials (e.g., articles) have been incorporated by reference.The text of such U.S. patents, U.S. patent applications, and othermaterials is, however, only incorporated by reference to the extent thatno conflict exists between such text and the other statements anddrawings set forth herein. In the event of such conflict, then any suchconflicting text in such incorporated by reference U.S. patents, U.S.patent applications, and other materials is specifically notincorporated by reference in this patent.

Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects ofthe invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view ofthis description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed asillustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled inthe art the general manner of carrying out the invention. It is to beunderstood that the forms of the invention shown and described hereinare to be taken as the presently preferred embodiments. Elements andmaterials may be substituted for those illustrated and described herein,parts and processes may be reversed, and certain features of theinvention may be utilized independently, all as would be apparent to oneskilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of theinvention. Changes may be made in the elements described herein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in thefollowing claims.

1. A construction panel system, comprising: a first panel; a secondpanel positioned substantially parallel to the first panel; a pluralityof spacers positioned between the first panel and the second panel,wherein a first surface of the spacers is coupled to a first surface ofthe first panel, wherein a second surface of the spacers substantiallyopposite to the first surface is coupled to a first surface of thesecond panel, wherein the spacers allow fluids to pass between thespacers and the first and second panels, wherein the spacers aresubstantially aligned in a first direction and unaligned in at least asecond direction, and wherein the first direction is different than thesecond direction; and a plurality of openings extending through thesecond panel allowing fluids to pass through the openings and in a spacebetween the first and second panels.
 2. The system of claim 1, whereinat least a portion of the first panel, at least a portion the secondpanel, and/or at least a portion the plurality of spacers comprise wood.3. The system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the first panel,at least a portion the second panel, and/or at least a portion theplurality of spacers comprise oriented strand board, plywood, ornon-wood materials.
 4. The system of claim 1, further comprising indiciapositioned on an exterior surface of the first and/or second panel,wherein the indicia are configured to designate where the spacers arepositioned.
 5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a radiantbarrier applied to at least one surface of the first and/or secondpanel.
 6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a radiant barrierapplied to at least one surface of the first and/or second panel,wherein the radiant barrier is applied to at least a portion of the areabetween the spacers.
 7. The system of claim 1, further comprising aradiant barrier applied to at least the first surface of the firstpanel.
 8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a radiant barrierapplied to at least the first surface of the first panel, wherein theradiant barrier is applied to the first surface in at least a portion ofthe area between the spacers.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein theconstruction panel system is coupled to a roofing framework system. 10.A method of insulating a building construct, comprising: coupling aconstruction panel system to a framework of a building, wherein theconstruction panel system comprises: a first panel; a second panelpositioned substantially parallel to the first panel; a plurality ofspacers positioned between the first panel and the second panel, whereina first surface of the spacers is coupled to a first surface of thefirst panel, wherein a second surface of the spacers substantiallyopposite to the first surface is coupled to a first surface of thesecond panel, wherein the spacers are substantially aligned in a firstdirection and unaligned in at least a second direction, and wherein thefirst direction is different than the second direction; conveying fluidsthrough a plurality of openings extending through the second panel andthrough a space between the first and second panels and between thespacers.
 11. (canceled)
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein at least aportion of the first panel, at least a portion the second panel, and/orat least a portion the plurality of spacers comprise oriented strandboard, plywood, or non-wood materials.
 13. The method of claim 10,wherein said coupling the construction panel system to a frameworkcomprises installing fasteners through indicia positioned on an exteriorsurface of the first and/or second panel, wherein the indicia designate,during use, where at least some of the spacers are positioned.
 14. Themethod of claim 10, further comprising reflecting thermal radiationusing a radiant barrier applied to at least one surface of the firstand/or second panel.
 15. The method of claim 10, further comprisingreflecting thermal radiation using a radiant barrier applied to at leastone surface of the first and/or second panel, wherein the radiantbarrier is applied to at least a portion of the area between thespacers.
 16. The method of claim 10, further comprising reflectingthermal radiation using a radiant barrier applied to at least the firstsurface of the first panel.
 17. The method of claim 10, furthercomprising reflecting thermal radiation using a radiant barrier appliedto at least the first surface of the first panel, wherein the radiantbarrier is applied to the first surface in at least a portion of thearea between the spacers.
 18. The method of claim 10, furthercomprising: coupling a second construction panel system to the frameworkof the building adjacent the installed construction panel system suchthat the spacers of the second construction panel system aresubstantially aligned with the spacer of the installed constructionpanel system in the first direction; and conveying fluids through theplurality of openings of the installed construction panel system andthrough the second construction panel system.
 19. The method of claim10, wherein said coupling the construction panel system to the frameworkcomprises coupling the construction panel system to a roofing frameworksystem.
 20. The system of claim 1, wherein a first surface of thespacers is coupled directly to a first surface of the first panel usingan adhesive, wherein a second surface of the spacers substantiallyopposite to the first surface is coupled directly to a first surface ofthe second panel using an adhesive.
 21. The system of claim 1, whereinthe plurality of openings extending through the second panel allows airto pass through the openings and in a space between the first and secondpanels such that the air functions as an insulator.